1. "Loser," BIGBANG
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When it came to the singles game, it'd be tough to say the year didn't belong to BIGBANG. The group slay the charts with their eight new songs and promoted nearly an album's worth of material with music videos, live performances and an accompanying arena tour. It all kicked off with "Loser," what can essentially stand as BIGBANG's thesis statement for their brand of emotional hip-hop. The song took the previously heard brilliance in songs like "Bad Boy," "Lies" and "Blue," but stripped away all trendy elements for a straight-forward, acoustic-leaning take on baring what lies deep in each of our consciousness.
While K-pop's known for its flashy, at-times-over-the-top creations, "Loser" proved that a subtle take on all the things that make a group unique can speak so much louder. Daesung, Taeyang and Seungri's croons feel more heartfelt, TOP and G-Dragon's raps are more poignant and it's all done in a way to let each member shine. Despite the fact it might have been initially difficult for listeners to associate the BIGBANG superstars as a supposed "Loser," those concerns would be immediately washed away upon first play -- such an impassioned performance has you hooked from first listen.
2. "I," Taeyeon
The year's best solo debut undoubtedly went to Taeyeon with the gorgeous "I." The type of song that doubles as an empowerment anthem and a comforting sonic blanket, "I" spotlights two sides of the Girls' Generation leader and centers it around incredible vocal performance. The song's lush composition recalls the accessible sounds of Taylor Swift, but even Swift would probably admit she couldn't pull off such a performance.
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3. "Run," BTS
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Another 2015 breakout star, BTS caught mainstream attention with "I Need U," released in spring, that found the perfect balance of their hardcore hip-hop style with sentimental leanings. Seven months later, "Run" further perfected the formula for a chill-inducing take on those same feelings. It's a song like this solidifies a group's place in K-pop.
4. "Just," Zion.T & Crush
Two of 2015's breakout stars came together for one of the year's silkiest releases. The understated jam highlights the duo's synergy together, resulting in both sonically and lyrically stellar single, and indicates promise from both acts who can hopefully reach new heights in 2016.
http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/k-town/6828140/best-k-pop-songs-2015